Investment tips

n Ask questions: Sellers of honest investments will welcome questions and give you time to do research.

n Check the product: Most investments must be registered with state securities regulators or the Securities and Exchange Commission.

n Check the person: People selling most investments must be licensed by state regulators or with the SEC.

n Read everything you can: Get on your computer or go to the library and look up articles on the product being offered and the person offering it.

n Don't feel pressured: Be ready to say you're not making a decision that day.

n Be skeptical: If it sounds too good to be true, be wary. Some red flags include promises of very high returns, guaranteed profits, no risk, or pressure to act quickly.

n Be aware: After the Bernard Madoff scandal, Ponzi schemes are common vocabulary. Promises to double your money in a short time, irregular interest payments, stalling if you ask to withdraw your money, or requests for you to recruit more investors are warning signs.

n Beware easy money: Rare coins, oil and gas schemes, and business opportunities have all played into fraudulent pitches to get rich quick.

n Contact: To check on an investment or person, or to file a complaint, contact your state securities regulator at http://www.nasaa.org.

Source: Campaign for Wise and Safe Investing from the AARP and Investor Protection Trust